As seniors bodies become more sensitive with age, ensuring that what they put in their bodies is healthy becomes more important. If you’re a caregiver for an elderly loved one, incorporating organic produce in your loved one’s diet is a good first step. Read on for five reasons that the senior care experts at Home Care Assistance in Oakville suggest that seniors should eat organic.
1. Contain More Antioxidants
Studies show that organic produce contains 18 to 69 percent more antioxidants than conventionally grown produce. Antioxidants help prevent or delay cell damage in the body, which is why a diet that is rich in antioxidants can reduce your loved one’s risk of cancer, heart disease, vision problems, and cognitive malfunction.
2. Reduce Pesticide Exposure
Even with proper washing, conventionally grown produce often retains traces of pesticides. This is especially true of soft-skinned produce such as grapes, peaches, and strawberries. Pesticide residues accumulate in the body over time, but switching to organic produce can help limit your family member’s exposure to these harmful chemicals.
3. Provides Better Immune Support
Many conventional farmers are starting to use genetically modified varieties of produce, or GMOs. The modification is supposed to yield bigger crops that are more resistant to disease and drought. Studies of genetically modified foods in animals show that the test subjects had significantly less immunity to disease and were more susceptible to certain cancers, sexual dysfunction, and allergens. Switching to organic produce may boost your loved one’s immune system and help them ward off illness.
4. Contains Less Heavy Metals
Studies show that organic produce contains much less cadmium than conventionally grown produce. Cadmium is a very toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body and may lead to kidney failure over time. This is especially concerning for seniors who frequently have some level of reduced kidney function.
5. Reduces Risk of Food Borne Illness
The pesticides used by conventional farmers have become stronger over the years. This has led to many of the “super bugs” and “super bacteria” that we see today. The illnesses caused by the mutated bacteria are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics, and some of the bacteria, such as e-coli, can be particularly dangerous for seniors.
If you are looking for strategies to help your elderly loved one stay healthy, swapping regular produce for organic can help. For other ways to help your loved one, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our experienced caregivers are expertly trained in modern senior care approaches, including our proprietary Balanced Care Method, which are designed to support long and healthy senior lives. To learn more about how our senior care services, including Parkinson’s, dementia, and Alzheimer’s care in Oakville, promote senior health and wellness, give a Care Manager a call at (905) 337-1200 and schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.